With 20 years of experience as a dancer, many in Malaysia know Maple to be a well-rounded performer. A dancer who indeed knows how to distinguish herself.
The judge of 8TV's sensational dance competition SHOWDOWN 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013 and previously as judge of TV3's Gang Starz too, Maple's keeping busy with business, travels, wildlife & 1 serious obsession - pole-dancing & her very own Bobbi's Pole Studio in KL. Her personal journals here.

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Friday, April 10, 2009

BALI

To all my readers and friends, I’m so very sorry for the long silence.Yes…SILENCE was exactly what I needed. And no…I haven’t been lazy. Maybe even a little tired of routine. The work and the business only sucked me deeper into a rut which I was fighting to get out of. Then came what felt like a toxic reaction – I became everything I’m not. I needed a change so badly or I’d be so burnt out that I’ll actually evaporate.

So I started creative scrapbooking again. Yeah moments to myself, with myself. I went into a scrapbook frenzy and became totally obsessed with it all over again. Seriously therapeutic ok... I began to stay home more often - away from people, away from work, away from routine, away from deadlines, away from everything I know, even away from everyone I love.

Strange....I never liked silence or felt the need to be alone. But it felt so good to just take a moment...a bit of 'ME' time...to not do anything particularly important for a change. Like go take a long long long bath...Especially since I never quite got the chance to enjoy our house since we moved in, I was content being home. And I felt safe....even after the landslide.

I did do an awful lot in 4 months. Apart from my scrapbook projects, I started returning to the gym, enjoying fitball and pilates classes, more frequent body jam classes, taught my own weekly pole classes, watched loads of TV and of course, traveled.

A much needed getaway and what a perfect place to be, Bali. The perfect place to 'heal'...we planned this months ago, way before I knew how much I was gonna need it. God loves me.So we spent 5 days there end of Feb-early March with some of our resort staff - Mike our butler, Lah our Resident Manager and Andy our Reservations Supervisor.Although we’ve been to Bali many times, it was the first for them. It may be downright cliche to say this but Bali IS magical. Even though it rained a little, it was so super hot during that time of the year!Despite the heat, being there rendered me cool, like a cucumber. I did come back outta my shell after this trip. How? Dunno. I guess I was glad to get away from it all.

Now I must say the trip would not have been perfect if not for my thoughtful girlfriend, Angie's (you know, the voice on your maxis voicemail...) meticulously devised 'MUST-DO MUST-SEE MUST-GO' list. So accurately detailed and with such heartfelt effort that it can only come from genuine love for the island and its people. You'll see what I mean.

Because I suddenly feel like Oprah and just wanna do something nice for people hence shall bestow upon you this very valuable piece of Angie's goodness. You'll find Angie's very own better-than-lonely-planet list for all your hassle-free travels in Bali. You'll thank me now and thank her later and love her for doing it and love me for posting it:)

Through Angie, we found Putu our tour driver, who then took us to all the right places suggested by Angie; the best Babi Guling lunch, a fantastic dinner at Dirty Duck (oooh the best ever pork ribs!!), the best Balinese souvenirs - peanuts, the most spectacular spot to watch the KECAK dance at sunset - Uluwatu, and some of the most stunning resorts in Asia.Resorts and beautiful architecture are our thing, so we went around exploring and have collectively recommended the following to stay - ranking them for most stunning design, spectacular location, great service and that special X factor : Bvlgari Resort Ubud, Kayu Manis Ubud and Pita Maha Ubud.I will post here soon a contact if you need a reliable driver. Trustworthy drivers are hard to find in Bali as most are just looking forward to rip you off.... so beware.

Sightseeing / ToursDrivers can design tours for you too. Also, on your way to Ubud, if you’d like to visit any other sights, eg, Mount Batur Volcano, Waterfalls, other temples or places of interest, ask your driver.Uluwatu Temple – Must see. Get there by 5pm. Entrance fee is Rp 3,000 /pax including sarong and sash. IMPORTANT : NO SUNGLASSES, CAPS or anything shiny on hair etc, monkeys grab them, bring umbrella. Tell driver you wanna see Kecak show, he'll guide you thru temple and help you buy ticket first before temple tour.Fee for Kecak is Rp 50,000 / pax. Showtime is 6pm sharp. Try and get to seats by 5.15pm latest. Sit lowest tier FACING the 2 column doorway / sunset. Do not move up even if asked by temple staff. Read the synopsis so understand Kecak better. Watch for real tears from main actress. Very emotional, spiritual, sacred and mystical performance.Show is approx 2 hours. Can take pictures with dancers, free at end of show. Give Hanuman, the white monkey god a kiss from Angie. ☺ Enjoy the show!

UBUDKnown as the Art, Culture Centre of Bali. This is a place to relax, less hectic compared to Kuta, more picturesque. Temperature is much cooler. Go for long walks, explore surrounding rice fields, nature trails. Ubud is also my personal favorite.

Before departing Kuta to Ubud, tell driver to take you to buy ‘Pis Gor’ (Pisang Goreng), near Jalan Kartika Plaza and Tuban. 1 pisang Rp 500. Buy plenty as you’ll regret if not enough. DELICIOUS! Buy some for driver too lah.

Massage while staying in UbudVerona Spa – turn left at Adi Cottages, walk few steps and will see sign, walk to end of lorong. If kena lousy masseuse, immediately ask for change. Rooms open to rice fields, so don’t be surprised if you’re showering or soaking in rose bath and there are old farmers chasing ducks. (Hahahhhhaa!!! Angie is so funny) They’re not bothered to even look at you, naked or otherwise. You’ll get disposable panty. Price : Sorry I lupa liao, check menu.

Sedona Spa – Sister spa to Verona, can ask them to call transport take you there & hantar balik FREE. It’s a bit further but at least you get to head up towards Campuhan.

Plenty of other spas to choose from.

Food in UbudBabi Guling Ibu Oka – MUST TRY, best in Bali! (That's where I lunched, fabulous!)Open 11am – 5pm Jln. Tegal Sari. Opposite Ubud palace. Located in Ubud’s central banjar. 15min walk from hotel. Turn right at Adi, walk along Monkey Forest Road, all the way, past football field, straight until reach cross junction, it’s just behind the big community hall.Price per plate – Rp 30,000. Must eat with Chilli & Fried Onion, served in container at every table.

Bebek Bengil or Dirty Duck Diner – MUST TRY! Oh my god the PORK RIBS, one plate sure not enough. Phone: 0361- 975 489 for FREE transport to & from restaurant.Book table / bale (private hut), right at the end, next to padi fields. Go lunch time, not so many mosquitoes, can see ducks while eating their poor cousins.

I recommend only the signature dish of Bebek Bengil. Crispy duck marinated in herbs & spices for 36 hrs. Rp 70,000 per plate. Portion of half a mini duck is quite small. Served with rice & vegetables, sambal mentah & sauces do ask for more if not enough.Drinks – try the non-alcoholic, refreshing Sweet & Sour Duck.

Made’s Warung – along Monkey Forest Road. Nice ambience, lovely garden and rice field view, deep inside restaurant. Price : approx Rp 20,000 for Nasi CampurCafé Lotus – Must visit for photos! Ubud has many great places for a drink or snack, but one of the most pleasant is Cafe Lotus, located on Jl. Raya Ubud. Cafe Lotus sits in front of Pura Saraswati and looks out over the tranquil lotus pond. Beautiful. Food is so-so. Drink – Arak Madu (arak, water, honey, lemon) for Rp 16,000.

Balinese Dance in UbudWatch Legong & Kraton Dance at Ubud Palace. You’ll be approached by ticket sellers on the streets. Price is fixed at Rp 80,000 per pax. Worth it! Showtime is 7.30pm. Go early if want good seats. If rain, show will be moved to opposite hall.

Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - http://www.monkeyforestubud.comEntrance fee Rp 10,000. IMPORTANT: where there are monkeys, there should be NO SUNGLASSES, Caps, etc. Ensure camera strap around wrist, anything they can cabut from you. Umbrella is good weapon.

However, don’t let this deter u from going. As long as you’re aware of your surroundings and walk in groups, you’ll enjoy it. It’s a beautiful, mystical forest with some sacred temples inside. Makes for a lovely, ½ hour non-strenuous walk.

NURAH RAI BALI AIRPORT Upon arrival at airport, you might have locals in uniform come help you with luggage, say NO, they’re porters and will ask for payment. Get your own trolley.IMPORTANT: If flying with Air Asia, have your Air Asia booking form with you, or else you will not be allowed to enter airport entrance.TIPS: If u are wearing sport shoes (which I don’t recommend, slippers or sandals will do), airport security will ask u to take off your shoes, remove your belt etc. Security is very tight. However, you can still have your bottle of water with you at 1st checkpoint, but before you get into departure gate, you’ll have to throw away or drink your water. Angie almost had to drink her chilli sauce ☺(Hahahhaaha!!! Silly..)

Lastly, please open your hearts & mind to the Balinese people, traditions, culture, food etc and you’ll have an amazing, most pleasant experience.

The Many Faces of Maple Loo

My Blog List

The Many Faces of Maple Loo

My Blog List

The Many Faces of Maple Loo

The Daughter

The Asian Pole Summit 2008

Make one weekend the gateway to your most SEXY self, ladies!The first-ever Asian Pole Summitin Malaysia is happening on 6th & 7th Dec at The Hanging Garden (my new pole school!) which is located at Linda Jasmine Performing Arts Studio in Ampang Point.

A cluster of intensive workshops is designed to build you the the core and shape you from inside out! A line-up of professional pole and dance instructors, including world-famous pole fitness guru from UK, KT COATES will be in town to teach pole dance, women styling, special dance techniques, flexibility & core-strengthening & exotic dance as well. Absolute beginners are highly encouraged to join.

Workshop package includes a Pole-Licious Party at a plush hideaway venue!Don't miss out on this exciting weekend where all things EXOTIC conspire to titillate your senses....

If you sign with me before 31st Oct 2008, you'll enjoy an early bird special!

The Many Faces of Maple Loo

The Many Faces of Maple Loo

Maple's Blog Categories

Tamarind, Tioman, Turtles & TV3

It's about living life to the fullest, choosing to do and be everything your heart desires and juggling to find that balance in order to fulfill all of that, all at once. Life IS a dance. And my believe is, the way to dance it is LIVING IT RIGHT. Read, read, read! It's everything that goes through my head. Please, be my guest.

Zoolander

This is the story of my volunteering work at Zoo Negara, the remarkable experiences I've gained from having chimpanzees throwing feces at me to getting chased by king cobras, from treating injured flamingos to hatching crocodile eggs. How many have the privilege to get close enough to look into the kind eyes of a giraffe, close enough to feel the breath of a tiger's thunderous roar, cudddle & play with a baby orang utan called Katie or repair the shell of a giant galapagos tortoise? Read this as you might just as well be bitten by the volunteer bug.

The World Tourism Conference

Why you should read this? You should if you want your future generations to be able to enjoy some shade. It's about human kind surviving the environmental changes of the world and SUSTAINABILITY being the keyword and keyaction.

Burmese Days

Read my travel journal on Myanmar and get great ideas on where to shop, what not to eat and do, how much to pay and why you must visit this interesting country at least once in your lifetime.